Greetings!

Welcome to the August 2019 eNewsletter of the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. This entire month we raised awareness of the impacts that gastroparesis has on an individuals life as well as their family, friends and caregivers. In paired with this we highlighted the importance of staying educated and learning more about gastroparesis.

We encourage you to join us as we bring this month to a close by using #GPeducation to share why you believe it is important to increase public knowledge surrounding such a debilitating disorder.
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
#GPeducation
It is estimated that about 5 million people suffer from gastroparesis in the United States and in some cases the cause is often unknown.

You can help individuals who suffer from gastroparesis by raising public awareness and educating those around you.

To learn more about gastroparesis click here
Back to School Nerves?
Tips to help kids with GI disorders
With summer coming to an end and a new school year beginning, b ack-to-school time can bring up some situations that cause children and parents to feel stress or anxiety.

Functional GI and motility disorders, such as functional abdominal pain syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome, are chronic conditions. They affect individuals of all ages, including kids and teens

Click here for tips on how to navigate through this exciting, yet challenging, time of year.
Understanding a Rare GI Disorder
What is superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS)
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare digestive system disorder that is commonly diagnosed in young women.

Learn more about SMAS by clicking here.

You can also watch a video of a patient with SMAS share her story by clicking here
Eating with Gastroparesis
August #DDHChat Recap
This month for our Diet and Digestive Health (#DDHChat) Twitter chat we were joined by G-Pact and Jefferson Health dietitian Emily Rubin, RD, LDN to learn more about eating with gastroparesis in recognition of gastroparesis awareness month.

Did you miss this months Diet and Digestive Health (#DDHChat) Twitter Chat?
No problem, you can view the full script by clicking here.
Suffering from Chronic Constipation
Learn more about treatment options
Most of us may experience constipation from time to time. This can result from illness, inactivity, travel, medications, and other circumstances.

However, constipation appears differently to different people. Individuals may report constipation if they sense something is amiss, or if they are uncomfortable. When you notice changes in your symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Click here to learn more about the different subgroups and treatment plans that may help you manage your symptoms.
You Can Make a Difference
Fundraise for digestive health
Millions of people are affected by a chronic GI condition. Yet public awareness is limited. By starting a fundraiser with IFFGD you can raise awareness and partner with loved ones to support a cause that is important to you.

Click here to learn how you can get involved.

Living With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Tips to help manage your symptoms
Are you experiencing symptoms from g astroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and maybe regretting that last meal that maybe made your symptoms worse ? You are not alone.

GERD is often accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation of acid. Sometimes there are no apparent symptoms, and the presence of GERD is revealed only when complications become evident.

Learn more about GERD and some treatment options by clicking here.
GI Research on the Road
James W. Freston Conference
This month IFFGD attended the James W. Freston Conference hosted by the American Gastroenterological Association in Chicago, Illinois. During this meeting we had the privilege of doing GI Research on the Road with Dr. Nguyen from Stanford and Dietitian Emily Haller, MS, RDN from Michigan Medicine.

GI Research on the Road is a program IFFGD started in order to hear from the leading researchers in the field of GI.

Stay tuned as we launch two new interviews on our YouTube Channel this week. Be sure to subscribe to receive an alert once the videos topics below are posted!

  • Gastroparesis and Dyspepsia with Dr. Nguyen
  • How dietitians and gastroenterologist work together to develop treatment plans for patients with Emily Haller, MS, RDN.
RESEARCH CORNER
Clinical trials and research studies are important to improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and developing new and better treatments. By participating in a study, you can help advance research and learn more about your condition.

Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:
Diabetic Gastroparesis
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of relamorelin in Patients with Diabetic Gastroparesis.

IBS-D/IBS-M

This study involves free nutrition sessions with a skilled IBS-specializing dietitian.

Healthy Volunteers
Researchers at the NIH are seeking healthy volunteers for a study looking at how common antibiotics change the human microbiome. The microbiome is a collection of tiny organisms that live in and on our bodies. Changes in the microbiome may affected immune function, metabolism, and other aspects of health and disease..
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
IFFGD | 414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org